Corvette owners have had limited choices for replacing their early sound systems. Some like to listen to the sound of a good exhaust, while others use their music to override a noisy one. Early systems are low on power and hard to listen to when you're accustomed to a late-model vehicle.
If you want an extraordinary sound system, Ken Harrison has the answer. He has several models to choose from that are a direct fit in '68-'82 sharks.
The latest radio/CD players have a DIN chassis, which is a universal size without shaft-mounted knobs in traditional locations. Consequently, installation of a DIN-chassis radio requires cutting the bezel.
Harrison took care of this problem by offering a modified bezel into which the radio is installed. You can buy only the bezel or the complete bezel and radio assembly. If you're concerned about originality, the original bezel and radio can be put away for safekeeping. The original gauges and hardware require transfer to the new pieces.
Harrison has several systems to choose from. All are top quality and sound great when the proper components are selected. Remember, speaker selection is important and should be considered when designing the sound system. If the radio power output is 50 watts by 4 or 50 watts per channel, the speaker's nominal input power should be equal to or greater than 10 watts of the radio's output per channel.
Speakers are given a maximum safe watt input rating, which is higher than nominal watts. Nominal watts would be the output level when the volume setting is at approximately the three-quarter level. If the speakers are rated for much higher nominal-watt input than the radio can deliver, sound will suffer. The speaker would need more power (watts) to drive it properly and maintain good sound quality. The speakers should be able to handle the maximum watt output of the radio with a minimum safety factor of 20-plus watts.
The radio and gauge bezel can be replaced over a weekend. Since the gauges will be transferred to the new bezel, a thorough cleaning should be performed. The warning-lamp seals should be replaced if they're crumbling. Once the bezel is put together, the assembly can be reinstalled without the radio in place. The radio slides into place in the bezel and should have a brace at the rear to avoid CD skipping.
Once installed and set up, the Kenwood radio and CD player is a pleasure to listen to. The crisp sound and definitive bass are easily controlled with the handheld remote control. If you have a power antenna, the radio controls it and also lowers the antenna when the CD is selected.
WarningDisconnect the battery before doing any removal or replacement work.